Polycom VVX 300 Vs 310 –Does an IP Phone By Any Name Work The Same?
Buying a VoIP phone for the first time can be pretty confusing. Which features are important? How do you determine a deal breaker?.
Even though Polycom phones are popular for their superior design and HD voice features, the brand has many models, which in turn have many versions. We want to help you start your hunt at the very beginning of the track! The Polycom VVX 300 series are Polycom’s basic, entry-level business media phones portfolio. There are multiple phone versions within this series. Take the VVX 300 and VVX 310 for example – what makes them different, and which version is better?
Table of Contents
What are the Differences BetweenPolycom VVX 300 and 310?
VVX 300 |
VVX 310 (Winner) |
|
Display |
Small monochrome screen, 12 key dialpad
|
Small monochrome screen, 12 key dialpad
|
SIP Lines |
6
|
6 |
Ethernet Ports |
2X10/100 Ethernet ports |
2 Gigabit Ethernet ports |
USB port |
Absent |
Present |
Security |
SRTP/TLS Encryption |
SRTP/TLS Encryption |
Standard Call Handling Features |
Call transfer, mute, hold, timer3-way call conferencing, one touch redial/speed dial, speaker phone and volume control |
ADA volume control compliant, Call transfer, mute, hold, 3-way call conferencing, redial, speed dial, multilingual user interface. |
Other Features
|
PoE, up to 7KHz HD voice codecs, Paging groups, Missed call notifications, Do not Disturb (DND) |
PoE, up to 7KHz HD voice codecs, Paging groups, Missed call notifications, Do not Disturb (DND) |
Polycom VVX 300 Vs 310 – How Do They Compare?
The Polycom VVX 300 series phones offer business the basic phone functionality. They serve well businesses with moderate call volumes. At a glance, the VVX 300 and VVX 310 look identical in design and features. Their color, buttons, layout and phone designs are similar. Is there a difference not visible to the naked eye? Let’s find out:
Display
The Polycom VVX 300 has a 208X104 resolution grayscale backlit display. It has a 12-key dial pad with call handling buttons. It is possible to make up to 3 levels of the viewing/height angle of the phone. The phone also gets notifications on the display’s upper right portion. These are usually accompanied by an LED light in that portion of the phone.
The Polycom VVX 310 comes in a dark gray plastic make, with a 3.2 monochrome graphical LCD display also having a 208 X 104 resolution. Just like the VVX 300, it has a 12-key dial pad.
SIP Lines/Accounts
Both the Polycom VVX 300 and the VVX 310 have a maximum of 6 lines useful for call transfer, account registration, speed dial and busy lamp field (BLF). The BLF is a feature common to phones with many users (e.g. office environment) which is used to monitor calls on one or more extensions. This helps the user know when the extension is available to receive a call. Though a soft switch (PBX) detects and notifies on events at the monitored extension, a feature key can be assigned to the BLF function. One BLF key only monitors one extension.
Ethernet and USB Ports
Both phones have two Ethernet ports – one for a computer with PoE and the other for network. For the VVX 300 phone, the Ethernet ports can only achieve theoretical maximum speeds of 100mbps, which is not as high as what Gigabit ports of the VVX 310 phone achieves. In addition, they both offer the user the flexibility of choosing either or even both IPv4 and IPv6 IP versions.
Power over Ethernet
Both phones come with a Power over Internet adapter which powers the data transmission, making the phone not rely on availability of power to function. Some versions of both these models also come with an AC power adapter, though the phones under review don’t. Having the AC adapter offers the flexibility of choosing to use power or the PoE. Versions with both AC adapters and PoEdefinitely cost more. All the same, even for versions without the AC adapter, it can easily be purchased separately.
Voice Quality
Both phone’s voice quality is superb. The handset and speakerphone are made amazingly clear by the HD voice of up to 7KHz on every path. This is quite an achievement for a phone in this range. Polycom’s voice quality is actually amongst the best in the industry. It is clear that this quality has been conferred to even the most basic of its phones.
Polycom VVX 300 Vs 310–A Comparison Review?
The Polycom VVX 300
- Backlit grayscale graphical LCD (208 x 104).
- 6 line or speed dial keys.
The Polycom VVX 300 is a solid entry-level phone able to handle any business communication’s basic call requirements like call conferencing, call transfer, hold, mute, BLF amongst many other functions. The phone is best suited for businesses with low to moderate call handling needs.
The phone has a four-way navigation key that allows for navigation through the menu. Unfortunately, the cursor is hard to see when browsing the call list or the settings menu. The phone’s web based configuration tool and zero touch provision makes it easy to set up, use, manage and upgrade. What’s more, it easily integrates with third-party applications, and can be deployed on an existing phone network without having to upgrade the call control features on the desktop.
Pros
- 6 lines
- Easy to set up and manage
- Excellent audio system
- Power over Ethernet
- Busy lamp field (BLF
Cons
- Main cursor on the interface hard to see
- Low speed Ethernet ports
- CPU/Memory allocation not enhanced
The Polycom VVX 310
- Backlit grayscale graphical LCD (208 x 104) 6 line or speed dial keys.
- 2 x Ethernet 10/100 or GigE (VVX 310).
The Polycom VVX is an attractive middle-level phone that is easy to use and intuitive, thanks to its intuitive user interface. Moreover, users can integrate their Microsoft Outlook and access the company directory. The phone’s Gigabit capability is its greatest asset. This, together with the USB port sets it apart from earlier models of this brand.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Integrates with Microsoft outlook
- Gigabit ports
- USB port
Cons
- CPU/Memory allocation not enhanced.
Conclusion
Both Polycom VVX 300 and 310 are old models that Polycom no longer supports, instead opting to concentrate on newer models that have enhanced memories. This means you will not be able to get fix, update or maintain the phone online, in case of a problem. All the same, the Polycom VVX 300 and 310 are good entry level phones, with good features. If your internet connection is of 100 mbps, then the VVX 300 is your go to phone. If on the other hand your office has a gigabit connection then the VVX 310 will help you take advantage of connections up to 1000 mbps. Even if you used a gigabit phone on a 100mbps internet connection, the device maximum speed will not go beyond 100mbps. So, in essence, let your internet connection do the deciding for you!
Verdict: Which is Better – The Polycom VVX 300 or the 310?
Since call quality is directly proportional to the internet speeds, and since everyone desires the best call quality in their business, the Polycom VVX 310 is the better choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I set up voicemail on my Polycom VVX 300?
Access the voice mailbox by pressing the ‘message center’ button. When prompted for a password, enter 2580 followed by your extension. This gets you into your voice mailbox. Press 0 for mailbox options.
How do you conference call on a Polycom VVX 310?
After calling the first person, press more followed by confrnc from the lines or calls view. Dial the second person and repeat the process when he/she answers. Join everyone you need for the conference in this manner.
